Perspective

The Future of Crisis Response: How the International Crisis Response Association is Leading Change

In times of crisis, rapid and appropriate intervention is vital for de-escalation and safety. The International Crisis Response Association (ICRA), founded in 2019, has been pivotal in reshaping mental health crisis intervention by promoting non-police alternatives. Today, the ICRA supports over 200 municipalities across North America in establishing such services. From Vision to Movement ICRA co-founders Rachel Bromberg and Asante Haughton recognized the need for non-police responses to mental health crises, beginning their work in…

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Curious About Complaints? We’ve Got Answers

One of the key responsibilities of the College is to address concerns about the professional conduct of registrants. This work happens through our complaints and discipline processes. There are several ways that an issue can be brought forward to the College: through a complaint or through a report. Some complaints and reports, but not all, will move into the discipline process. It’s normal for these processes to feel daunting to registrants, but they play a…

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Council Meeting Highlights for December 10, 2024

The public is welcome to watch Council meetings in real time via livestream. Livestream links are made available on this webpage as Council meetings take place. DECEMBER 10, 2024 Senior consultant Sheena Prasad from Diversio presented the identified trends from the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative. Denitha Breau, RN, MSN, MBA, Registrar and CEO, presented her report to Council. The report provided updates under each strategic priority in the College’s Strategic Plan and included information…

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Council Meeting Highlights for March 6, 2025

The public is welcome to watch Council meetings in real time via livestream. Livestream links are made available on this webpage as Council meetings take place. MARCH 6, 2025 Guest Dr. Barbara Fallon presented to Council on her research from two studies: the First Nations Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (2019), a national study on child welfare investigations across Canada, and the Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect…

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Practice Notes: Are You Practising in Scope?

Download the PDF Practice Notes is an educational tool designed to help Ontario social workers, social service workers, employers and members of the public gain a better understanding of recurring issues dealt with by the College’s Professional Practice Department and Complaints Committee that may affect everyday practice. The notes offer general guidance only and College registrants1 with specific practice inquiries should consult the College, since the relevant standards and appropriate course of action will vary…

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Discipline Decision Summaries

The College publishes summaries of decisions of the Discipline Committee and/or provides links to full-text, neutralized versions of its decisions. Information that is subject to a publication ban or that could reveal the identity of witnesses or clients, including the name of the facility, has been removed as necessary, or has been anonymized. As of January 2019, decisions are also available via the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII).  By publishing decisions, the College endeavours to:  Illustrate…

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College Updates and Reminders

MARK YOUR CALENDARS – REGISTRATION FOR AMED 2025 WILL OPEN SOON! We are happy to announce that the College’s Annual Meeting and Education Day (AMED) will take place on June 3, 2025. This year’s theme is Advancing Innovation and Public Protection.  The Annual Meeting, keynote address and afternoon educational sessions will be hosted virtually via an online conference platform. Registration for this year’s virtual event will open in early May. Stay tuned for more information! …

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Bulletin Board

CHANGE OF INFORMATION NOTIFICATION  If you change employers or move, please advise the College in writing within 30 days. The College is required to have the current business address of its registrants available to the public. Notification of change of address can be done by accessing the Online Portal or by sending the new employer address to the College by email to info@ocswssw.org. Please provide your College registration number when you communicate with us.  If…

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Message From the Registrar and CEO 

A ROADMAP FOR CHANGE — INTRODUCING THE 2024-2029 STRATEGIC PLAN As we welcome the fall season, a time of change and reflection, I’m excited to introduce the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers' (the College's) 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. This new strategic direction represents a time of growth and renewal for the College, guiding us over the next five years as we strengthen our commitment to regulatory excellence and public protection.  Much like…

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Healing Through Tradition: Cassandra Forget’s Journey in Indigenous Social Work

Cassandra Forget’s journey into social work is a powerful blend of personal experience and a deep commitment to mental health. As the Indigenous Social Worker at Chigamik Community Health Centre (Chigamik) in Midland, Ontario, Cassandra’s practice bridges Indigenous traditions with modern social work practices, offering a unique and compassionate approach that resonates with the needs of the people she serves. “It’s about offering a safe place to talk about mental health and not feeling alone,”…

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Tips to Help Registrants Renew Their Registration

As the renewal period for 2025 approaches, the College has put together some tips to assist registrants in navigating this annual process. Renewals for 2025 will open in early November.  Keeping your registration with the College is important. Only individuals registered with the College are allowed to practise social work/social service work in Ontario, or use the titles “social worker,” “registered social worker,” “social service worker” or “registered social service worker.” Renewals for 2025 must…

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The Controlled Act of Psychotherapy: Am I Qualified? 

The College often receives questions from registrants, employers and clients about the competency requirements for performing the controlled act of psychotherapy. College registrants, along with those from five other regulatory bodies, are authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, provided they have completed the necessary additional training to be deemed competent. To help assess readiness, the Practice Guidelines for Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy contains a checklist that registrants should review to assess…

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